Putin Wants You to Shut Up About Russia’s Politics During World Cup 2018

World Russia World Cup 2018 Vladimir Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin toned down his notorious machismo in a speech to the FIFA Congress in Moscow on the eve of World Cup 2018, declaring that “guests” in his country will receive “warmth and kindness.” But he also had a warning for everyone—stay quiet about politics. “I would like to underline that FIFA is committed to the principle of keeping politics out of sports,” Putin said, TASS reported. “Russia has always adhered to such approaches and is striving for the closest cooperation with everyone who is determined to develop and enhance a creative beginning for sports and its boundless humanistic potential.” Russia will kick off the World Cup in its opening game against Saudi Arabia on Thursday. But while soccer fans focus on the football, critics of Putin will use the international sporting spectacle to highlight the myriad abuses of power committed by his regime. Among issues at the fore are Russia’s interference in Western elections, its continuing war on Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea, its military support for the Assad regime in Syria despite chemical weapons atrocities, the attempted assassination by nerve agent on British soil of a former spy as well as other hits, and the domestic crackdown on Russian opposition activists. Recommended Slideshows 51 In Pictures: The 50 Most Powerful Military Forces in the World 61 Every World Press Photo Winner Ever: 60 Images That Define Our World FIFA President Gianni Infantino (R) and Russian President Vladimir Putin attend… [Read full story]